T.K. Blue — artist

T.K. Blue

T.K. Blue has 1 upcoming show, next at The Django on Sat, Nov 21. Dates, venues and tickets on Ckord.

T.K. Blue, also known as Talib Kibwe, was born in New York City of a Trinidadian mother and Jamaican father, but was raised on Long Island. T.K. began playing music at the age of 8 years old on trumpet, then at 10 he switched to drums. Shortly after his interest shifted to academic and athletic endeavor. While attending Malverne High School the flute became his muse. Blue took lessons from Billy Mitchell, the legendary tenor saxophonist with Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie, who in fact lived right down the street. T.K. eventually pursued music as a career after receiving a full academic scholarship to New York University, where he began playing soprano & alto saxophone. He earned a bachelor’s degree in both music and psychology. T.K. Blue went on to earn a master’s degree in music education from Teacher’s College at Columbia University. “Coming to Jazzmobile in NYC is what did it for me. I got involved with Jazzmobile, where I studied jazz theory, harmony, sight-reading, rhythmic training, improvisation and big-band performance. It was just like going to music school every Saturday. I studied with Jimmy Heath, Chris Woods, Ernie Wilkins, Frank Foster, Sonny Red and Jimmy Owens. In addition Thad Jones and Dr. Billy Taylor would periodically attend to show their support and inspire us to perform at the highest level possible.”

T.K. Blue upcoming shows

T.K. Blue past shows

Venues T.K. Blue has played

More live music in New York City

Website

View T.K. Blue on Ckord